The director for Imbiza Foundation from Old Payne in Mthatha, Zamikhaya Abenta (46), celebrated his birthday in a different way by awarding those who are uplifting this community, recently.
He also bought shoes for some of the learners from Jersey Farm Primary School in this area. Abenta confirmed that he is sharing his birthday with his cousin brother, Charles Abenta (60); both are born on January 1.
“I started this programme after I noticed that some of the children were left in their homes by their parents on New Year’s Day, and some had nothing to celebrate on this day. I firstly asked parents to bring children to my place so that I can celebrate my birthday with them,” he said.
He added that he then talked to his family about his vision as he wanted to buy uniforms for three children from this area.
According to him, that is how he ended up starting this foundation, because he wanted to bring a smile to children and to ensure that they look the same as others.
“We are not humiliating them, so parents must not feel offended when we are doing this; we are doing this just to give help only. We want them to have a better future one day. Let us compete by doing beautiful things instead of hating each other.”
Abenta confirmed that he had also awarded some of the community members who are bringing change in this community by giving them certificates.
The principal from Jersey Farm Primary School, Loyiso Dini, said that they appreciate what Abenta is doing for the community. He said that this initiative helps learners a lot.
“We are lucky because luckily we don’t have lot of dropouts, but this initiative will bring more confidence to our learners.”
According to him, currently the school has 527 learners. The deputy chairperson of the school governing body (SGB), Xolisani Mlungwana, said that they were happy about this programme. He said that it was not the first time Abenta had hosted it in this school.
“This brings confidence to our learners to the extent that we are very happy, and we pray that he must continue helping where he can lay a hand,” said Mlungwana.
